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The Shepherd's Flock
The Whitmore family left California for twenty acres deep in the Kentucky woods and a fresh start.
The town welcomed them.
The community embraced them.
The woods were already there.
Watching.
Waiting.
The Shepherd’s Flock is a slow-burn folk horror about isolation, devotion, and the cost of belonging.
For readers who The Village, Midsommar, and stories that don’t let you look away.
The town welcomed them.
The community embraced them.
The woods were already there.
Watching.
Waiting.
The Shepherd’s Flock is a slow-burn folk horror about isolation, devotion, and the cost of belonging.
For readers who The Village, Midsommar, and stories that don’t let you look away.
266 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 1, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
May 1, 2026
“That’s what community means, we look out for each other “
First off let me say, I hardly ever read this genre but every now and then you need something that hits different. This book was full of tension and dread just lurking biding its time before everything comes crashing down.
We have a family who has sold everything to give up their life in California to move to rural Kentucky. The drive into KY when the family makes their first stop the author did such an amazing job at starting to set the tone to the book. They settle in and quickly start becoming a part of the community in and around town. Each family member finding their place. Strange things start taking place at the family property. There comes a point they have no choice but to reach out for help. There’s twists and turns you never saw coming. And that ending had me gasping for breath.
There’s so much I want to say but I don’t want to ruin or spoil anything. This book was quick to read and if you’re into folk horror give this one a try.
First off let me say, I hardly ever read this genre but every now and then you need something that hits different. This book was full of tension and dread just lurking biding its time before everything comes crashing down.
We have a family who has sold everything to give up their life in California to move to rural Kentucky. The drive into KY when the family makes their first stop the author did such an amazing job at starting to set the tone to the book. They settle in and quickly start becoming a part of the community in and around town. Each family member finding their place. Strange things start taking place at the family property. There comes a point they have no choice but to reach out for help. There’s twists and turns you never saw coming. And that ending had me gasping for breath.
There’s so much I want to say but I don’t want to ruin or spoil anything. This book was quick to read and if you’re into folk horror give this one a try.
April 3, 2026
This book felt like a full‑blown horror‑thriller movie in the best way. The writing was vivid, emotional, and packed with tension—I could feel every moment right alongside the characters. The religious elements added an extra layer of unsettling intensity, and honestly, it just made me grateful I’m not part of that world. Dark, gripping, and incredibly immersive. I loved it.
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC review.
Thank you so much A.K Talon for allowing me the pleasure of reading an advanced readers copy of The Shepherds Flock! This review is completely voluntary and my honest opinion.
There’s just something about a fresh start in the middle of nowhere that never ends well…and The Shepherd’s Flock proves that in the creepiest way possible.
We follow Caleb and Luz Whitmore and their three kids Brandon, Kalie, and Olivia. They leave California behind for 20 acres in rural Kentucky. Paid off house, wide open land, total solitude…it sounds like a dream. And honestly? That’s what makes this so unsettling. Because everything should be perfect.
But the woods are watching. The town is a little too welcoming. And that slow, creeping feeling that something isn’t right starts early, and never lets up.
This is a slow burn folk horror, and it leans hard into atmosphere over shock. The tension builds quietly through the setting, the community, and the sense of isolation. The land itself feels alive in a way that made me constantly uneasy. You don’t get hit with horror, you gradually sink into it.
I loved how the story explored belonging and devotion, and how far people will go to feel accepted. There’s a real emotional weight underneath the horror, especially when it comes to the family dynamic and the kids. It makes everything hit harder.
There is violence including toward animals, so just be aware of that, but it is purposeful and tied to the story, not just thrown in for shock value.
And that ending?? I didn’t see it coming at all. It completely caught me off guard in the best way and made everything click into place!
Thank you so much A.K Talon for allowing me the pleasure of reading an advanced readers copy of The Shepherds Flock! This review is completely voluntary and my honest opinion.
There’s just something about a fresh start in the middle of nowhere that never ends well…and The Shepherd’s Flock proves that in the creepiest way possible.
We follow Caleb and Luz Whitmore and their three kids Brandon, Kalie, and Olivia. They leave California behind for 20 acres in rural Kentucky. Paid off house, wide open land, total solitude…it sounds like a dream. And honestly? That’s what makes this so unsettling. Because everything should be perfect.
But the woods are watching. The town is a little too welcoming. And that slow, creeping feeling that something isn’t right starts early, and never lets up.
This is a slow burn folk horror, and it leans hard into atmosphere over shock. The tension builds quietly through the setting, the community, and the sense of isolation. The land itself feels alive in a way that made me constantly uneasy. You don’t get hit with horror, you gradually sink into it.
I loved how the story explored belonging and devotion, and how far people will go to feel accepted. There’s a real emotional weight underneath the horror, especially when it comes to the family dynamic and the kids. It makes everything hit harder.
There is violence including toward animals, so just be aware of that, but it is purposeful and tied to the story, not just thrown in for shock value.
And that ending?? I didn’t see it coming at all. It completely caught me off guard in the best way and made everything click into place!
Review of advance copy received from Author
🖤 The Shepherd’s Flock – A.K. Talon 🐑🌲
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Yeesh… this one is creepy as heck!
From the first few chapters, I was completely pulled into this rural American town where nothing is normal—and I mean nothing. The animals are unsettling, the people feel oddly robotic, and the whole place has that unnerving feeling that crawls under your skin. Honestly? How the main characters didn’t just gap it immediately is beyond me. YIKES 😬
This book is insanely bingeable. Like, “just one more chapter” turned into hours. I almost read it in one sitting but forced myself to pace it (# growth ✨). Each chapter reassures the characters that everything is fine, while the reader is sitting there like: IT IS ABSOLUTELY NOT FINE. The tension, unease, and anxiety just keep ratcheting up and up until you’re low-key holding your breath.
And listen… I am left with questions.
I want to know what the heck comes after everything we just witnessed. Part of me is deeply unsettled, and part of me is already mentally drafting a sequel plot at 2am.
The uncertainty sticks with you, the unease doesn’t let go, and you’re left feeling like the town — and its secrets — are still very much alive.
As a horror/thriller girly, this had everything I love:
🩸 ritualistic behaviour
🌲 ominous forests
👶 creepy kids
🌀 plot twists
😰 a deeply unnerving atmosphere
If you enjoy stories that make you feel watched, unsettled, and totally paranoid about small towns and off-the-grid living... this one is for you
Stay curious and keep on reading,
Ellie
#HorrorReads #ThrillerAddict #CreepyAsHell #SmallTownHorror #BookstagramNZ
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Yeesh… this one is creepy as heck!
From the first few chapters, I was completely pulled into this rural American town where nothing is normal—and I mean nothing. The animals are unsettling, the people feel oddly robotic, and the whole place has that unnerving feeling that crawls under your skin. Honestly? How the main characters didn’t just gap it immediately is beyond me. YIKES 😬
This book is insanely bingeable. Like, “just one more chapter” turned into hours. I almost read it in one sitting but forced myself to pace it (# growth ✨). Each chapter reassures the characters that everything is fine, while the reader is sitting there like: IT IS ABSOLUTELY NOT FINE. The tension, unease, and anxiety just keep ratcheting up and up until you’re low-key holding your breath.
And listen… I am left with questions.
I want to know what the heck comes after everything we just witnessed. Part of me is deeply unsettled, and part of me is already mentally drafting a sequel plot at 2am.
The uncertainty sticks with you, the unease doesn’t let go, and you’re left feeling like the town — and its secrets — are still very much alive.
As a horror/thriller girly, this had everything I love:
🩸 ritualistic behaviour
🌲 ominous forests
👶 creepy kids
🌀 plot twists
😰 a deeply unnerving atmosphere
If you enjoy stories that make you feel watched, unsettled, and totally paranoid about small towns and off-the-grid living... this one is for you
Stay curious and keep on reading,
Ellie
#HorrorReads #ThrillerAddict #CreepyAsHell #SmallTownHorror #BookstagramNZ
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received a copy of this book from the author. It follows Caleb and Luz as they move with their three children—Braydon, Kalie, and Olivia—from California to Kentucky for a fresh start. Once settled into their new home, unsettling events begin to unfold: dead animals, hidden messages, and strange neighbors.
This is a plot-driven religious thriller, and while that works in its favor, the characters take a bit of a backseat. We get glimpses of their personalities, but there’s little backstory or deeper development—they primarily serve to move the plot forward. That said, the story itself is engaging. It’s a slow-burn thriller that reads quickly, with a cinematic quality that makes each scene easy to visualize.
I did find myself with lingering questions. That may be intentional, but sometimes I like to be spoon-fed the details. Overall, it’s a solid, enjoyable read. I’d recommend it, though I would have appreciated stronger character development to feel more emotionally invested in the outcome.
This is a plot-driven religious thriller, and while that works in its favor, the characters take a bit of a backseat. We get glimpses of their personalities, but there’s little backstory or deeper development—they primarily serve to move the plot forward. That said, the story itself is engaging. It’s a slow-burn thriller that reads quickly, with a cinematic quality that makes each scene easy to visualize.
I did find myself with lingering questions. That may be intentional, but sometimes I like to be spoon-fed the details. Overall, it’s a solid, enjoyable read. I’d recommend it, though I would have appreciated stronger character development to feel more emotionally invested in the outcome.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was fortunate to receive an Advance Copy of this book from the author, and OMG I was completely blown away.
Despite carrying some themes that are common in a variety of books, this story is completely unique, and a tale of true horror which makes you question exactly what humans are capable of....
The story kept me guessing, on edge, and equally creeped out, and the writing was so wonderfully descriptive that I could imagine myself there, witnessing the horrors as they occurred - I love a book that gives me physical reactions, and oh boy! You'll get plenty here!!!
Be warned though, there is some reference of violence toward animals and people, but it is 100% relevant to the story, and HOLY HECK! The twist is insane!!!!
My book of the year so far!
Despite carrying some themes that are common in a variety of books, this story is completely unique, and a tale of true horror which makes you question exactly what humans are capable of....
The story kept me guessing, on edge, and equally creeped out, and the writing was so wonderfully descriptive that I could imagine myself there, witnessing the horrors as they occurred - I love a book that gives me physical reactions, and oh boy! You'll get plenty here!!!
Be warned though, there is some reference of violence toward animals and people, but it is 100% relevant to the story, and HOLY HECK! The twist is insane!!!!
My book of the year so far!
Review of advance copy received from Author
If you are a fan of folk horror this is the one you want it will be one of your favorites I enjoyed this book this is the 2nd book I have read from this author and I will be watching for more. i will be recommending this book to my friends and my book club.
This book is about a family that gives uo their life in CA and moves to the Kentucky woods.
They are welcomed by the town and they are feeling like that found their place in the town but then realize the woods are watching. What will happen in the end you need to read to find out.
This book is about a family that gives uo their life in CA and moves to the Kentucky woods.
They are welcomed by the town and they are feeling like that found their place in the town but then realize the woods are watching. What will happen in the end you need to read to find out.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I felt this book started slowly, just the odd niggle that makes you think, as the book continues the unease builds pulling you deeper into the storyline. There’s always a feeling of something lurking just out of sight, watching, waiting!! Then Wham🤯💥 with a feeling of dread, unable to stop reading , being there on the sidelines trying to warn, help but unable to do anything!
The Shepherd Flock is altogether a brilliant folk horror, with very real characters and tons of emotions that will stay with you for a very long time.
The Shepherd Flock is altogether a brilliant folk horror, with very real characters and tons of emotions that will stay with you for a very long time.
May 5, 2026
This was an interesting horror mystery with interesting characters and some unexpected twists! The story follows the Whitmore family who moved to Kentucky from California. However, all is not what it seems and they get caught up in a Web of deceit. The story was fast-paced with a nail-biting finish!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received this book via an ARC from the author, thank you for opportunity to read this.
A true nail biting...edge of your seat Folk horror. This is a slow burner. And OMG that twist.......
A true nail biting...edge of your seat Folk horror. This is a slow burner. And OMG that twist.......
Review of advance copy received from Author
Slow burn, creepy book. Kept me reading from the beginning. Highly recommend.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews